The C 180 Avantgarde Line takes over from the C 200 as the new base variant in the range at RM228,888 (OTR without insurance), bringing the entry price down by RM20k. Likewise, the new C 300 AMG Line now sits ahead of the C 250 AMG Line, and is listed at RM307,888 – also RM20k above the previous range-topper.

Starting with the new base variant, the C 180 features a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 156 hp at 5,300 rpm and 250 Nm between 1,200 and 4,000 rpm – the same one found in the A 200, but with a 7G-Tronic auto (not 7G-DCT). This enables it to perform the century sprint in 8.5 seconds — slower than the 184 hp/300 Nm 2.0 litre turbo C 200, which performs in 7.3 seconds.

The new model looks largely similar to the C 200 Avantgarde, with both cars adorned with the same exterior kit. A dual-bar radiator grille with a central Three-Pointed Star and LED High Performance headlamps are featured, along with two exposed exhaust pipes round the back. But, the C 180 wears a set of smaller, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (as pictured above) as opposed to 18-inch rollers on the C 200 models.

Inside, an Avantgarde Line interior is present, adding further similarities between the C 180 and the C 200 Avantgarde. However, a closer look at the spec sheet indicates that only single-zone air-conditioning is featured here, and the powered front seats do not include a memory function. It also looks like ambient lighting and a reverse camera have been given a miss on the C 180.

Elsewhere, it looks pretty standard, as per the C 200 Avantgarde. A basic piano black trim forms the centrepiece, along with Artico leather upholstery, an Audio 20 CD infotainment system (pre-installed with Garmin Map pilot GPS) with a seven-inch media display screen and the Mercedes-Benz Touchpad on the centre console. No keyless entry here (only keyless start), just like the C 200 models.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have the new Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line. The model is specified similarly to the existing C 250 AMG Line, but gets a higher-tuned engine, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system and an automatic climate control system with 3 climate zones. All for an additional RM20k over the C 250.

The 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine here delivers 245 hp at 5,500 rpm and 370 Nm between 1,300 and 4,000 rpm — 34 hp and 20 Nm more than the C 250 (211 hp/350 Nm). As such, where the C 250 performs the century sprint in 6.6 seconds, the C 300 does the deed in 5.9 seconds, on to the same (limited) top speed of 250 km/h.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 7G-Tronic seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and in conjunction with the AMG Line exterior, a sports suspension is fitted to the C 300, lowering its ride by 15 mm. Also, the C 300 gets an electronically-controlled sports exhaust system that creates a more aggressive exhaust note by way of an adjustable valve in the piping — selecting Sport+ mode on the Dynamic Select function activates this.

Apart from its designation badges, the only other way to tell a C 300 from a C 250 is by its wheels. The new C 300 gets a set of 19-inch multi-spoke AMG wheels, while the C 250 offers five-spoke 18-inch items. Otherwise, both cars are nearly identical to each other, each specified with an AMG Line exterior kit – adding sportier bumpers, side skirts and larger, perforated front brake discs.

Similar to the C 250, the C 300 gets a dual-bar radiator grille with a Three-Pointed Star in the centre and LED Intelligent Light System headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The car also gets a panoramic sliding glass sunroof (and a full-black roof).

The interior of the C 300 AMG Line is no different to the current C 250, specified with AMG Line-specific sport seats, a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel and an Artico leather-covered dashboard. An open-pore black ash wood trim is featured on the centrepiece of the dash, where an analogue clock is also seen. The air-conditioning vents get additional chrome accents courtesy of the AMG Line too.

It’s the same scenario with the C 300’s creature comforts, which include a COMAND Online infotainment system (with integrated navigation), an 8.4-inch display screen and a touchpad on the centre console. A 13-speaker, 590-watt Burmester surround sound system is also included as standard. Other notable features include Active Parking Assist (also on the C 180), a reverse camera, keyless entry, remote boot lid closing and an Air-Balance perfume package.

To recap, the full range of locally-assembled W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class variants in Malaysia are (prices are OTR and without insurance):

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Car insurance annual premium* RM 6,230.59

* Please use this calculator as a guide only. All interest rates, amounts and terms are based on a personal simulation by you and your assumptions of same. The results in every case are approximate. Carlist.my does not guarantee its accuracy or applicability to your circumstances.